A review by mrtvavrana
More Than a Best Friend by Emma R. Alban

funny lighthearted relaxing fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? It's complicated
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

2.0

 

I have had high hopes for this book, as it was dubbed a queer Bridgerton, and it has such high ratings. Unfortunately, I was very disappointed.

While I immensely loved the premise of this novel, I found the actual execution lacking in too many different ways.

While this novel is marketed as Victorian, it is written as any other modern rom-com. The characters actions and interactions, and even the dialogues, are way too modern. It genuinely felt like they were just pretending and cosplaying to be Victorians. It is quite unfortunate, as if it was done right, some of the other issues would not stand out as much.

The characters are, well, very shallow and underdeveloped. While I did quite like Beth and Gwen as individuals, they just do not work for me as a couple. I was genuinely more interested in their parents love story. And, let's be honest, it was not good either.

This book reads like every other BookTok YA, and if it weren't for the spice, I would not even notice this is supposed to be a book for adults.

The spice was, unsurprisingly, mediocre at best. I had written better erotica than this when I was a teenager. I have read hundreds of books, many of which contained spice, but I still have not found a single one that was at least equal to fanfiction.

I feel like many of the new-ish authors, including Alban, are trying to be romantic and poetic with all those shiny metaphors. Gods, I hate it. It makes the experience of reading unbearable for me. I honestly cannot help but cringe.

Another thing that annoyed me was the timing of the sex scene. I think it would have made more sense and had more impact if it happened towards the end of the book instead. All that waiting and longing and the pent-up energy would have made that scene so much more intimate and powerful.

Overall, this is a very childish and unrealistic “historical” novel. I did enjoy it; I think it was a fun read, but it was extremely underwhelming and rushed. I certainly expected more than this novel has to offer.

I am still considering whether to read the sequel or not; I am not ready for more disappointment just yet.